An armyworm on a solo mission. (Photo courtesy of Sod Solutions) |
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Invasion of the fall armyworms |
By Valerie Smith
Sod Solutions Content Strategist
Have you started noticing an outbreak of worms or moths in your lawn? It’s the time of year to be mindful and observant of different pests and insects. Some species of worms or caterpillars can cause detrimental damage to your lawn and garden while others aren’t as harmful. It’s also important to be able to identify which types of insects are invading your yard so that you’re aware of the level of damage they may cause.
The fall armyworm, or Spodoptera frugiperda, is notorious for traveling in small “armies” (hints its name) that devour lawns and gardens. Fall armyworms feed on the leaves, stems and other above-the-ground parts of numerous plant species.
What are fall armyworms?
The fall armyworm is a caterpillar that comes from a moth that lays eggs. Their eggs can be found in clusters. Moths don’t lay eggs in the grass, however. Their eggs are commonly found on tree bark, the siding of a house or near floodlights that attract them. The eggs don’t usually last throughout winter as it gets too cold in some states. Moths tend to migrate to the southern part of the United States for this reason.
Armyworm moths can lay up to 2,000 eggs that hatch in two or three days. There are usually around 4–5 generations per year, so it’s important to keep this in mind during treatment and prevention — if you treat one growth stage of the fall armyworms, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve treated all of them.
What does a fall armyworm look like?
The fall armyworm got its name by traveling in small “armies” and eating everything in its path. They’re either green or muddy brown in color with a wide, horizontal black stripe running down each of their sides.
They are around 1–1.5 inches in length and have a lightly colored upside-down “Y” that marks the head of the worm. Fall armyworms are usually found throughout the months of July–October.
Moths are usually ash-gray in color with a wingspan of about an inch and a half. However, it is very common for a fall armyworm outbreak to occur after rainfall delivered by a tropical system such as a tropical storm or hurricane.
What do fall armyworms feed on?
Fall armyworms feed on over 300 different plant species including the leaves, stems and other parts of the plant located above the ground. They love to eat Bermuda grasses and can be found feeding on annual bedding plants, succulents and even crops such as your homegrown tomatoes.
What time of year do fall armyworms come out?
The exact times of the year for fall armyworm activity differ by geographical location; however, they’re generally active between the months of July and October.
What are the signs of a fall armyworm infestation?
You’ll know if you have a fall armyworm infestation because hundreds of them will be feeding in broad daylight. There are a great number of places you can look for armyworms.
Fall armyworms prefer plants in the grass family such as coastal Bermuda grasses, fescues, rye grasses and blue grasses, but small crops are also subject to infestation. Small brown lawn patches are the first clue that you may have an infestation.
If you see the chewing or “skeletonizing” of grass blades that create a transparent “windowpane” look, this could be a sign of an armyworm infestation. Sod webworms are also potential candidates for this kind of damage, so it’s important to know the difference for proper treatment. Sod webworms are usually solitary and move around individually while fall armyworms travel in “armies.” Sod webworms are usually a light green color with four parallel rows of dark spots along their abdomens.
Fall armyworm damage often first appears near woods, buildings, sheds or light-posts because the adult moths usually lay eggs in erected structures. Once eggs hatch, the fall armyworms make their way down to the ground below and start feeding.
Caterpillar frass, or moist, fresh, green fecal pellets, can be found on the leaves of the base of plants and grass as well. These appear as green or yellow cylindrical pellets around 1–2 mm long.
Lastly, if you physically spot a fall armyworm or armyworm moth, it’s obvious that you may have an infestation. It’s important to treat armyworms before the damage spreads any further. You can also look for a cluster of their eggs on the sides of your house, fence posts, flagsticks, tree leaves and bushes adjacent to your lawn.
How do I treat a fall armyworm invasion?
Cultural Control
Unlike the sod webworm, fall armyworms can be more difficult to control. It’s helpful to always maintain good cultural practices such as mowing, reducing thatch and lightly irrigating your lawn. Building a healthy lawn will help it withstand minor infestations of armyworms.
Aerate it at least once a year and add about a 1/4inch of organic materials such as peat moss to eliminate the buildup of thatch. Thatch serves as a home for armyworms.
Armyworms also prefer turf that is dry and warm, so regularly watering your lawn in the hot summers prevents your soil from getting too dry. About 1-inch of water a week including rainfall is enough. Be careful not to overwater your lawn as this may make it prone to a fungi outbreak. A well-watered lawn makes the soil surface cooler and is less attractive to armyworms.
Cut the grass no shorter than 2-inches. Although fertilizer doesn’t treat infestations, a proper fertilizer schedule will help your lawn remain strong and endure stress a little better.
Treatment
There are numerous effective insecticides you can apply to treat a fall armyworm invasion. The earlier the treatment, the better. Insecticides containing bifenthrin, acephate or chlorantraniliprole will work.
If you’ve followed these steps and perhaps noticed a worm that doesn’t resemble the fall armyworm’s description, be sure to check out our blog on sod webworms. Symptoms of a sod webworm invasion are very similar to those of fall armyworms. For more information on insects or pests that can be found on your lawn, check out our Insect Identification blog.
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Flamenco Queen is a new and unique amaryllis variety with later bloom time. (Photo courtesy of Longfield-Gardens.com) |
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Go beyond the traditional with unique amaryllis varieties |
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By Melinda Myers
Boost your spirits and winter décor with new shapes and colors of amaryllis. Today there are many beautiful options beyond the traditional red.
Double amaryllis have jumbo flowers with multiple layers of petals. Kick off the season with the early-blooming variety Alaska. Its frilly white petals contrast nicely with the lime green throat and the flowers last for weeks. Early blooming amaryllis are grown in the southern hemisphere and, if planted by early November, they bloom in time for holiday decorating and gift-giving.
Extend amaryllis season with doubles that are grown in the northern hemisphere. Start these amaryllis bulbs any time before January for flowers in mid to late winter. Sweet Nymph has layers of creamy white petals that are decorated with coral pink stripes. The blossoms add romantic charm to any setting. The extra-large flowers of Giant Amadeus change colors as they go from bud to mature bloom. The blossoms start out mostly white with a fine red outline. The color of the petals gradually intensifies to blushing pink, rose, and coral.
Doublet is another stunning winter-blooming double. Its flowers feature narrow petals in a variety of widths, all with red and white candy cane stripes. You can expect two or three flower stalks from each bulb and as many as a dozen flowers. For more subtle beauty, consider double amaryllis Elvas with white petals outlined in red.
New varieties of single amaryllis can be equally dramatic. Opal Star is an early bloomer with slightly longer and narrower petals than most. Its muted, pale red flowers feature a chartreuse and white star in the center that extends to the tips of the petals. Cape Horn has broad, rose-pink petals and a white star. Remember to plant these early-blooming amaryllis in the fall so you can share living bouquets for the holidays.
Keep the flowers coming with varieties that bloom in January and February. Terra Cotta Star is sure to attract attention with its striking colors and exquisite details. The salmon, rose, buttercream and pistachio petals have dark red veining that makes each blossom a standout. Yellow Star is another unique variety with elegant ivory and lime green flowers that are sure to lift your spirits. Rosy Star’s exquisite flowers feature snowy white petals and a rose-pink blush.
Don’t underestimate red amaryllis as there are many exciting variations to choose from. Charisma is an early-blooming single with petals that display an ombre effect of red and white. Gervase and Flamenco Queen are later blooming singles with a similar fade on their petals. For extra bold red and white flowers, consider single amaryllis Spartacus or Minerva, and the double variety Splash.
Order your amaryllis bulbs early for the best selection. When the bulbs arrive, store them in a cool, dry dark place until you are ready to plant. After you pot up the bulbs, place them in a warm, bright location to encourage them to break dormancy. Once the first bud emerges, you can expect to have flowers in two to four weeks. Enjoy all the beauty that growing amaryllis (Longfield-Gardens.com) provides with only minimal care.
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Upcoming Garden Events
If you would like your organization's events included in "Upcoming Garden Events" or would like to make a change to a listed event, please contact us at Garden Events. To ensure inclusion in this column, please provide complete details at least three weeks prior to the event.
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The COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak has caused the cancellation or rescheduling of many events these past few years. If you wish to attend any of the events listed below, please contact the presenters in advance to determine if the event has been cancelled, postponed, moved online or if it will take place as scheduled. |
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SEPTEMBER
Hempstead: Waller County Master Gardeners presents our annual fruit and nut tree sale with online ordering open Thursday, September 1, thru Thursday, September 29, or until supplies last. Pickup is Saturday October 1 in Waller or Pattison. Visit txmg.org/wallermg for more information or call 979-826-7651 with questions.
Online: Houston has seen extreme temperatures along with pests, fungal diseases like powdery mildew and viruses such as rose rosette disease. While some rosarians use an organic gardening approach there are many who need to understand the proper precautions and actions required while using chemical products. Mark Windham, Ph.D. will discuss chemical safety at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, September 8. Dr. Windham is a recently retired Distinguished Professor of Ornamental Pathology, University of Tennessee - Knoxville. His research focus has been on diseases of ornamental plants with the majority of his time focused on Rose Rosette Disease, the most destructive ornamental disease in the USA. Dr. Windham's Graduate Program Concentration has been on Sustainable Disease and Integrated Pest Management Systems. His Ph.D. in Plant Pathology is from North Carolina State University and his M.S. & B.S. Degrees in Plant Pathology and Weed Science is from Mississippi State University. Chemical Safety is a continuing education requirement for ARS Consulting Rosarians. All Consulting Rosarians who attend this virtual meeting will receive one hour of credit. CRs will be required to email Suzanne Gilbert at sgilbert2@icloud.com prior to the meeting with the same email address that will be used to login to the GoTo Meeting website in order to receive credit. Join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone at https://meet.goto.com/614327597.If you are new to GoTo Meeting, get the app now and be ready when you first meeting starts at: https://meet.goto.com/install.
Online: Noon, Friday, September 9, through noon Saturday, September 10. “Summer Sundown Sale” For details and to shop: https://store.galvestonmg.org or call 281-786-6834.
La Marque: “Onions and Garlic,” presented by Galveston County Master Gardener Kevin Lancon, 9-11 a.m., September 10, in Galveston County AgriLife Extension Office in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main Street (Hwy 519), La Marque. Free. Pre-register and additional information: https://txmg.org/galveston or call 281-309-5065.
La Marque: “Herbs for the Gulf Coast Garden 2022,” presented by Galveston County Master Gardeners Briana Etie and Nancy Langston-Noh, 1-3 p.m., September 10, in Galveston County AgriLife Extension Office in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main Street (Hwy 519), La Marque. Free. Pre-register and additional information: https://txmg.org/galveston or call 281-309-5065.
San Angelo: The Concho Valley Master Gardeners in San Angelo are presenting their annual Fall Landscaping Symposium. This year they have invited specialists in their fields locally and out of town to help everyone from beginners to experienced gardeners get a good start on their gardens. The Annual Fall Landscape Symposium will be held Saturday, September 10, at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, 7887 N. US Highway 87, San Angelo. Cost is $30 per person. There is an extra session from 4:30-5:30 for an additional $10 fee. No refunds for cancellations. Due to limited seating, pre-registration is required. Deadline to register is Wednesday, September 7, but don’t wait too late as seats fill up fast. These excellent speakers will be presenting throughout the day at this year’s Symposium: Tam Honaker, Owner-Farmer’s Daughter: Overcoming Design Challenges; Garrett Mikulik, Owner-Scherz Landscape: Tree; Carol Reese, Retired Horticulture Specialist: Passalong Plants and Propagation; and Monte Sims, Owner-Bes-Tex Supply: Lawn Care. Extra Session: Lisa Whittlesey, Extension Horticulture Specialist-Floral Design. This additional session will be from 4:30-5:30 following the symposium. There will be an additional $10 required at registration. Space is Limited. Registration includes refreshments throughout the day and lunch. On the day of the seminar, sign-in starts at 8 a.m. The speakers start at 8:30 a.m. and continue until 4 p.m. To pay by check or cash, go to txmg.org/conchovalley and download the registration form and mail or bring it to the Extension Office, 113 W. Beauregard, San Angelo, Texas 76901. You’ll also find parking and hotel information on the website. To pay on-line with a credit card, go to http://cvmg.square.site. For questions or more information call 325-659-6522. No childcare will be provided.
San Angelo: The Early Childhood Gardening Curriculum for Teachers program will be held Sept. 10 in San Angelo. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service event is designed for early childhood teachers and professionals. The event will be from 10 a.m. to noon at the Tom Green County 4-H Building, 3168 U.S. Highway 67. The cost is $10, and registration is required by Sept. 7 at https://tx.ag/EarlyChildhoodGardening. Lisa Whittlesey, AgriLife Extension program specialist and international coordinator for the Junior Master Gardener program, Bryan-College Station, will be teaching the curriculum program that childcare professionals can then in turn implement in their programs. Two Early Childhood Education continuing development hours are available to educators. Educators from a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP, approved school who sign an “intent to teach” the gardening program for the 2022-2023 school year will receive the following for their facility: Curriculum set worth $350; Program supplies; Plants; and Program assistance from AgriLife Extension agents of Tom Green County. Non-SNAP educators will also have access to the resources, but only SNAP-approved programs may receive the supplies at no cost.
Online: Plant Propagation by Harris County Master Gardeners, Monday, September 12, 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Plant Propagation. Free Virtual Lecture through Houston Community College. Registration required at: hccs.edu/community-learning-workshops.
Gonzales: The Gonzales Master Gardeners will offer their extensive Texas Master Gardener training class this fall. Classes start September 13 and conclude May 2. Classes are held at 623 Fair Street in Gonzales on Tuesday mornings from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. approximately every two weeks (though the schedule may vary slightly to accommodate holidays, Christmas break and spring break). There has been a renewed interest in home food production and landscaping. Getting outdoors to work around our homes is a great use of time as well as a health benefit. The program is designed to teach a broad fundamental background in horticulture. Classes give students a solid scientific foundation as well as a lot of practical and applied training. Subjects include not only botany and plant fertilizers but other topics such as how to start and grow plants and cuttings, prepare soil mixtures and install and maintain irrigation in the most water efficient manner. Topics and the class schedule are posted on the Gonzales Master Gardener website at www.gonzalesmastergardeners.org. The Texas Master Gardener program is a program of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension designed to teach and promote good gardening practices. The Gonzales association conducts the training classes under the supervision of County Extension Agent Dwight Sexton. Students who complete the program volunteer in the community for a total of 50 hours their first year to earn their certification as a Texas Master Gardener. Volunteer projects are directed toward teaching in the community which is Extension’s mission. Working alongside other Master Gardeners, students learn as much from their volunteer activities as they do from the classes. Enrollment deadline is September 1 at 5 p.m. Applications are available at the Gonzales Extension Office at 1709 E Sara DeWitt, at the Extension website at www.gonzales.agrilife.org and at the Gonzales Master Gardner website at www.gonzalesmastergardeners.org. The cost of the class is $185 which covers the cost of the textbook, the state required background check and a soils test along with all fees associated with class activities. For more information, call the Gonzales Extension office at (830) 672-8531 or Gail Johnson (830) 491-1996.
Bryan: Brazos County Master Gardeners present Learning at the Library – “Wildlife Photography,” Saturday, September 17, 10:00 a.m., at Clara Mounce Public Library, 201 E. 26th St., Bryan. Brazos County Master Gardener and shutterbug Jim Miles will talk about Wildlife Photography for the backyard nature lover. Pick up some camera tips from a pro.
College Station: Brazos County Master Gardeners present Get Growing with Master Gardeners – “Wildlife Photography,” Sunday, September 18, 3:00 p.m., at Lick Creek Park, 13600 Rock Prairie Rd., College Station. Brazos County Master Gardener and shutterbug Jim Miles will talk about Wildlife Photography for the backyard nature lover. Pick up some camera tips from a pro. Fee: $4/person and registration is required at the College Station Parks & Rec website.
Houston: Genoa Friendship Garden- Open Garden Day, Monday, September 19, 8:30-11:00 a.m., Genoa Friendship Gardens, 1210 Genoa Red Bluff Road, Houston. Tour a variety of planting exhibits and meet and talk with Harris County Master Gardeners. Plants will be for sale in the greenhouse.
Online: Plant Propagation by Harris County Master Gardeners, Tuesday, September 20, 11:00 a.m.-noon. Plant Propagation. Free Virtual Lecture with Harris County Public Library via Facebook Live. No reservation needed: facebook.com/harriscountypl/events/.
La Marque: “T-bud Grafting,” presented by Galveston County Master Gardener Hazel Lampton presenting, 9-11:30 a.m., September 24, in Galveston County AgriLife Extension Office in Carbide Park, 4102-B Main Street (Hwy 519), La Marque. Free. Limited to 20 participants, must pre-register to attend. Pre-register and additional information: https://txmg.org/galveston or call 281-309-5065.
Bryan: Brazos County Master Gardeners present an educational program, Tuesday, September 27, 7:00 p.m., at the Brazos County Extension Office, 4153 County Park Court, Bryan. Brazos County Master Gardeners will host Daniel Hoffman, with Trophy Fisheries, who will discuss Garden Ponds – Construction, Features, and Maintenance. Everyone appreciates a water features – especially after this summer. Learn how to introduce one into your landscape.
Houston: The Future of Urban Food Systems Summit by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Friday, Sept., 30, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. University of Houston Downtown, 315 N. Main St., Houston. The 2022 summit will provide a forum to delve into the opportunities and challenges for urban food systems in Harris County. $50 fee. Registration required at: https://fufss2022.eventbrite.com/.
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OCTOBER
Tyler: The 2022 Annual From Bulbs to Blooms Sale & Conference will take place October 3-15 at the Pollard United Methodist Church, 3030 New Copeland Road, Tyler. Greg Grant, Smith County Horticulturist from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will be the featured presenter. Visit https://txmg.org/smith/mg-projects/fall-conf-bulb-sale. For more information, call 903-590-2890 or 903-590-2994 or email SmithMGEvents@gmail.com.
Houston and online: Propagating roses is one of the most difficult and rewarding hobbies once you see the newly created rose bush. Roses can be propagated from the planting of cuttings, grafting cuttings onto a new root stock, or using seeds from the rose's hips. Deanna Krause will share with us her proven techniques to propagate as a way to expand and share her garden with others. Deanna and her husband, Earl, have been growing roses for over 40 years and are active rose exhibitors with many first-place trophies. Their garden includes unique rose varieties that are hard to find in other gardens. Ray Ponton, a long-time friend and hybridizer with the Texas Rose Rustlers named one of his seedlings in commerce after Deanna. You can purchase the shrub "Deanna Krause' at the Antique Rose Emporium. All Consulting Rosarians who attend this virtual meeting will receive one hour of continuing education credit. CRs will be required to email Suzanne Gilbert at sgilbert2@icloud.com prior to the meeting with their email address and screen name used on GoTo Meeting and also include the name of their rose society in order to receive credit. The meeting will be held at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 1819 Heights Blvd., Houston, or virtually from the comfort of your home using a computer, tablet, or smart phone at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, October 13. To join online: https://meet.goto.com/957814789. If you are new to GoTo Meeting, get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://meet.goto.com/install.
Bryan: Brazos County Master Gardeners present Learning at the Library – “Tis the Season for Seasonal Plants,” Saturday, October 15, 10:00 a.m., Clara Mounce Public Library, 201 E. 26th St., Bryan. Brazos County Master Gardener Maureen Reap will talk about how to select plants that will last through the holiday and what to do with them afterwards. This event is open to the public at no charge.
Bryan: Brazos County Master Gardeners present an educational program Tuesday, October 25, 7:00 p.m., Brazos County Extension Office, 4153 County Park Court, Bryan. Brazos County Master Gardeners will host Gretchen Riley, Head of the Forest Systems Department of the Texas A&M Forest Service, who will talk on selecting, planting and caring for trees in our urban Texas gardens, a timely subject after the losses we’ve sustained this summer. This event is open to the public at no charge.
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NOVEMBER
Tyler: The award-winning Smith County Master Gardener Association will host the Texas Superstar State Master Gardener Advanced Training November 1-3 at the Holiday Inn Conference Center, 5701 South Broadway Ave., Tyler (903-561-5800).This training was created as an intensive multi-day workshop that helps empower Master Gardeners with knowledge and skills required to effectively support and multiply Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service efforts in Earth-Kind horticultural education within their counties. During the training, certified Texas Master Gardeners will learn about the history of the Texas Superstar plant program as well as the benefits and landscape usages of these specially designated plants. The class winds up with a tour of the Tyler Botanical Garden and an invitation to attend the Smith County Master Gardener Association monthly meeting where Smith County horticulturist Greg Grant will present a lecture on landscaping with native plants. Instructors for this year’s training include Greg Grant, David Rodriguez, Dr. Larry Stein, and special guests Keith Hansen, Erin Smith, and Dr. Andrew King. Rodriguez is the Bexar County Horticulturist, Stein the head of Extension Horticulture at Texas A&M, Hansen the retired Smith County Horticulturist-Emeritus, Smith a research Associate at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Overton, and King the owner of King’s Nursery in Tenaha. To be eligible for the Texas Superstar Advanced Training, an applicant must possess an up-to-date Master Gardener certification. Master Gardener applications must be approved by their local Master Gardener program coordinator and County Extension Agent. Only two Master Gardeners per county are allowed, unless space is available by noon Monday, October 3. Additional Master Gardeners in each county should sign up on the waiting list. The cost for the training is $225 if registering by October 3. After that, the cost is $250. To register (or for more information) call 903-590-2980 or visit the Smith County Master Gardener website at txmg.org/smith/ and click on coming events. Registration deadline is October 17, and spaces are limited.
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Weekly Meetings
Galveston: The Young Gardeners Program is a school garden and healthy eating program operating on Galveston and the Bolivar Peninsula. Every Saturday, 9-11 a.m., they host a garden Community Day at one of the schools. It's an opportunity for community members to work and play in the garden and it's kid-friendly. First Saturday - Crenshaw, 416 State Hwy 87, Crystal Beach; Second Saturday - Rosenberg Elementary, 721 10th St., Galveston; Third Saturday - Morgan Elementary, 1410 37th St., Galveston; Fourth Saturday - Oppe Elementary, 2915 81st St., Galveston.
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Monthly Meetings
If you would like your organization's events included in "Monthly Meetings" or would like to make a change to a listed meeting, please contact us at Monthly Meetings. To ensure inclusion in this column, please provide complete details.
FIRST WEEK
Jasper: The Jasper County Master Gardeners meet on the first Monday of each month at St. Michael's Catholic Church from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The evening begins with pot luck social and then guest presentations and/or educational class to conclude. Visit https://jasper.agrilife.org/jasper-master-gardeners/ to verify meeting date for any given month, as circumstances could require a change, and to find information on the speaker and topic scheduled for each meeting; Visit https://mastergardener.tamu.edu/become/ to become a member.
Kaufman: The Kaufman County Master Gardeners meet the first Monday of each month at the First Community Church at 1401 Trinity Drive in Crandall. January through April and August and September meetings are at 9 a.m., with the remaining meetings beginning at 7 p.m. For additional information, visit http://www.kcmga.org, call 972-932-9069 or email to sbburden@ag.tamu.edu.
Houston: The Harris County Master Gardeners meet at noon the first Tuesday of each month at a location in Houston to be determined. For additional information, visit http://hcmga.tamu.edu/Public/ or call 713-274-0950.
Schulenberg: Schulenburg Garden Club meets the first Tuesday of each month, at 11:30 a.m., September-May, at the Schulenburg First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 110 Upton Ave., Schulenburg.
Corpus Christi: The Coastal Bend Cactus and Succulent Society meets the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Garden Senior Center, 5325 Greely Dr., Corpus Christi. The purpose is to stimulate an interest in cactus and succulent plants by providing a forum to foster and broaden knowledge of the plants. Join the society on Facebook: Coastal Bend Cactus & Succulent Society.
Dallas: Garden Masters, Inc., meet the first Wednesday of each month, Sept.- May, at North Haven Gardens, 7700 Northaven Rd., Dallas, 75230. The club hosts different speakers each month from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Come early and order lunch from the The Cafe, which features a healthy menu, fresh local produce and sustainably produced meats and fish (or call in advance to order 972-338-2233). For more information about Garden Masters Inc, email Marcia Borders at borderlineart1@gmail.com.
Kerrville: Hill Country Master Gardeners meet the first Wednesday of each month at 1:00 pm at Hill Country Youth Event Center, 3785 Hwy 27. For more information visit www.hillcountrymastergardeners.org.
Midland: The Permian Basin Master Gardeners (Ector/Midland counties) have monthly meetings at noon on the first Wednesday of each month at the West Texas Food Bank, 1601 Westcliff Drive in Midland. For more information call 432-498-4071 or 432-686-4700.
Navasota: The Navasota Garden Club meets on the first Wednesday of each month (September through May) at 10:00 a.m., usually at the First Presbyterian Church Family Life Center, 302 Nolan Street, Navasota. If not meeting at the church, a change of meeting notice will be placed on the door of the Family Life Building. Guests are welcome. Members are from Grimes County and surrounding counties.
Allen: The Allen Garden Club meets at 7 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month, February through December, at the Allen Heritage Center, 100 E. Main St., Allen. For more information, visit www.allengardenclub.org.
Atlanta: The Cass County Master Gardeners meet the first Thursday of each month at the Atlanta Memorial Hospital Conference Room, State Highway 77 @ S. Williams St., Atlanta. A business meeting is followed by an educational program. The public is welcome to attend. For additional information, call 903-756-5391 or visit http://cass.agrilife.org.
Fort Worth: The Native Plant Society of Texas - North Central Chapter meets the first Thursday of each month, excluding January and July, at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth. Meeting begins at 6:30 p.m., program begins at 7:00 p.m. Guest speakers present educational programs on topics of interest. Members, friends, family, guests and the public are welcome. For a list of speakers and topics or more information, visit http://www.txnativeplants.org.
Hempstead: The Waller County Master Gardeners usually meet at 9 a.m. the first Thursday of each month at the Waller County AgriLife Extension Office, 846 6th St., Hempstead. For more information on the meeting schedule, visit http://txmg.org/wallermg or call 979-826-7651.
Gonzalas: Gonzales Master Gardeners hold their monthly meeting at noon on the first Thursday of each month at 623 Fair Street, Gonzales. Bring a bag lunch, drinks provided. Contact AgriLife Extension Office at 830-672-8531 or visit http://gonzalesmastergardeners.org for more information.
New Braunfels: The Comal Garden Club meets the first Thursday of each month at 9:30 a.m. at Southbank Clubhouse, 222 Southbank Blvd., New Braunfels.
SECOND WEEK
Austin: Austin Organic Gardeners Club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Monday of each month (except December) at the Austin Area Garden Center, 2220 Barton Springs Road, Zilker Botanical Gardens in Austin. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; club business begins at 7:00 p.m., followed by a presentation. For more information, visit www.austinorganicgardeners.org.
Jacksonville: The Cherokee County Master Gardeners meet on the second Monday of each month at 9:30 a.m. at The First Methodist Church, 1031 TX-456 Loop, Jacksonville. For additional information, contact Kim Benton at kim.benton@ag.tamu.edu.
Cedar Park/Leander/Liberty Hill: The Hill Country Bloomers meet the second Tuesday of each month (except December) at 7 p.m. at the Cedar Park Recreation Center, 1435 Main Street, Cedar Park. Arrive at 6:30 p.m. to socialize and swap plants and seeds. Meetings feature guest speakers on a variety of topics for the home gardener or landscaper. They host a plant sale in the spring and a garden tour in the late summer/early fall. Throughout the year they contribute time and expertise to local projects. Those with any level of experience are welcome. Non-members are invited to their first meeting at no cost. Membership and speaker info is available at www.hillcountrybloomers.com.
Glen Rose: The Glen Rose Garden Club meets at 10 a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month (September through May) at the Somervell County Community Center in Glen Rose. For additional information, email stringer030@yahoo.com.
Glen Rose: The Prairie Rose Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets at 6 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at the Somerville County Citizen Center, 209 SW Barnard St., Glen Rose. For additional information, email prairierose.npsot@gmail.com.
Harrison County: The Harrison County Master Gardeners meet on the second Tuesday of each month in the Harrison County Annex building, 102 W Houston St. (south side of the square), Marshall. Meetings are held in the 2nd floor AgriLife Extension meeting room. For more information, call 903-935-8413, or email wannagrow2@gmail.com.
Marion: The Guadalupe Chapter, Native Plant Society of Texas meets on the second Tuesday of each month except July, August and December at St. John Lutheran Church in Marion. Directions to St. John Lutheran Church: From FM 78 turn south onto FM 465 and the church is just past the Marion School on the right. From IH-10 go north on FM 465 towards Marion. The Church will be on the left, just before you get to town. A plant exchange and meet-and-greet begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by the program at 7 p.m. Visitors are always welcome. For more information or an application to join NPSOT contact guadalupecounty@npsot.org. Or visit https://npsot.org/wp/guadalupe/
Quitman: The Quitman Garden Club meets at 2 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at the Quitman Library on E Goode Street, Quitman. It is a diverse group that welcomes all visitors. For more information, e-mail quitmangardenclub@gmail.com.
Denton: The Denton County Master Gardener Association meets from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. the second Wednesday of each month. Meetings are open to the public. For complete details, visit http://dcmga.com/.
Humble: The Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 22306 Aldine Westfield Road, Humble, hosts a Lunch Bunch the second Wednesday of each month from noon until 2 p.m. Take a sack lunch or order a box lunch from Starbucks when you call 281-443-8731 to reserve your spot. Master Gardeners and Masters Naturalists may earn CEU credits by attending.
Jacksboro: The Jacksboro Garden Club meets at 9:30 a.m. the second Wednesday of each month (except June, July and August) at the Concerned Citizens Center, 400 East Pine Street, Jacksboro. For more information, call Melinda at 940-567-6218.
Longview: The Gregg County Master Gardeners Association's Learn at Lunch program meet the second Wednesday of each month. The business meeting begins at 11:30 a.m., with the program at noon, at the AgriLife Extension Office, 405 E. Marshall Ave., Longview. The program is presented for horticultural education and is free to the public. For further information call 903-236-8429, visit www.txmg.org/gregg, or like us on Facebook at Gregg County Master Gardeners.
Rockport: The Rockport Herb & Rose Study Group, founded in March 2003, meets the
second Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. at 619 N. Live Oak Street, Room 14, Rockport, to discuss all aspects of using and growing herbs, including historical uses and tips for successful propagation and cultivation. Sometimes they take field trips and have cooking demonstrations in different locations. For more information, contact Linda 361-729-6037, Ruth 361-729-8923 or Cindy 979-562-2153 or visit www.rockportherbs.org and http://rockportherbies.blogspot.com.
Woodway: The McLennan County Master Gardeners meet on the second Wednesday each month at noon at the Carleen Bright Arboretum, 9001 Bosque Blvd., Woodway. Educational programs follow the business session. For more information, call 254-757-5180.
Beaumont: The Jefferson County Master Gardeners meet at 6 p.m. (social) 7:00 (meeting) the second Thursday of each month except in July in the AgriLife Extension auditorium, 1225 Pearl 2nd floor (downtown Beaumont next to the Court House). For more information contact: 409-835-8461 or txmg.org/jcmg.
Georgetown: The Williamson County Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at the Georgetown Public Library, 402 W. 8th Street. Georgetown. For additional information, contract Kathy Henderson at kshend@verizon.net or visit http://www.npsot.org/wp/wilco.
Orange: The Orange County Master Gardeners Association holds their monthly meeting on the second Thursday of each month. A short program is presented. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at the new Orange County Expo Center on Hwy 1442 in Orangefield. Enter the building in the front entrance, first door on the right, Texas AgriLife offices. Pot luck supper at 6 p.m. Visit http://txmg.org/orange for more information.
Pasadena: The Harris County Precinct 2 Master Gardeners hold an educational program at 10 a.m. on the second Thursday of each month at The Genoa Friendship Garden Educational Building at 1202 Genoa Red Bluff, Pasadena. The programs are free and open to the public. For more information, visit http://hcmgap2.tamu.edu.
San Antonio: The San Antonio Herb Society meets at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at the San Antonio Garden Center, 3310 N. New Braunfels (corner of Funston & N. New Braunfels). For more information on programs, visit www.sanantonioherbs.org.
San Marcos: The Spring Lake Garden Club meets the second Thursday of each month at 9:30 a.m., September-May, at McCoy's Building Supply Headquarters, 1350 IH-35, San Marcos. Contact Terri Boyd (512) 395-66644 x6134.
Smithville: The Smithville Community Gardens meets at 5:30 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at the Smithville Recreation Center.
Angleton: The Brazoria County Master Gardeners meet at 11 a.m. on the second Friday of each month at the Brazoria County Extension Office, 21017 County Road 171, Angleton. There is a general business meeting followed by a brief educational program each month. For further information call 979-864-1558, ext.110.
College Station: The A&M Garden Club meets on the second Friday of each month during the school year at 9:30 a.m. in the training room of the College Station Waste Water Facility building at the end of North Forest Parkway, College Station. Expert speakers, plant sharing, and federated club projects help members learn about gardening in the Brazos Valley, floral design, conservation, and more. For more information, visit http://www.amgardenclub.com/.
Houston: The Spring Branch African Violet Club meets the second Saturday of each month,January through November, at 10:00 a.m. at the Copperfield Baptist Church, 8350 Highway 6 North, Houston. Call Karla at 281-748-8417 prior to attending to confirm meeting date and time.
Dallas: The Rainbow Garden Club of North Texas meets the second Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Meetings are held at member's homes and garden centers around the area. For more information, visit www.RainbowGardenClub.com.
THIRD WEEK
Arlington: The Arlington Men's Garden Club meets from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. on the third Monday of each month (except December) at the Bob Duncan Center, 2800 S. Center Street, Arlington. For more information, contact Lance Jepson at LJepson@aol.com.
Cleburne: The Johnson County Master Gardener's meet on the third Monday of each month at Johnson. County Agricultural Office, 109 W. Chambers, Cleburne. Meeting times are at 2 p.m. October through April, except December and at 6 p.m. May through September. An educational program precedes the business meeting. For additional information, contact Elaine Bell at 817-309-8052.
New Braunfels: The Comal Master Gardeners meet at 6 p.m. the third Monday of each month (except April and December,) at the GVTC Auditorium, 36101 FM 3159, New Braunfels. An educational program precedes the business meeting. The public is invited to attend. For additional information, call 830-620-3440 or visit comalmg.org.
Texarkana: The Four Corners Chapter of Native Plant Society of Texas meets at 7 p.m. on the third Monday of each month at the Southwest Center, 3222 W. 7th St. (U.S. 67), Texarkana. Visitors are welcome. For additional information, contact Belinda McCoy at 903-424-7724 or blackmtngardens@yahoo.com.
Abilene: The Master Gardeners meet the third Tuesday of each month at the Taylor County Extension Office, 1982 Lytle Way, Abilene. For more information, contact Big Country Master Gardeners Association at mgardeners@yahoo.com.
Alvarado: The Alvarado Garden Club meets on the third Tuesday of each month during the months of September through May (excluding December). The meeting time is 1 p.m. and the locations vary for each meeting. The club hosts a different and exciting speaker each month that focuses on enriching the lives of all gardeners. Meetings are free and include a light lunch. The public is invited to attend. For additional information, please contact 817-680-4291.
Corpus Christi: The Nueces Master Gardeners meet at noon the third Tuesday of each month,except December, at Garden Senior Center, 5325 Greely Dr., Corpus Christi. An educational program precedes the business meeting. For further information call 361 767-5217.
New Braunfels: The Lindheimer Chapter (Comal County) of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm at the GVTC Auditorium, 36101 FM 3159, New Braunfels. Meetings include an informative speaker and a Plant of the Month presentation. Meetings are free and visitors are welcome. For more information, visit www.npsot.org/w/lindheimer. Note: there will be no meeting in June or December.
Rockport: Monthly meetings of the Aransas/San Patricio Master Gardeners are held at 10 a.m. on the third Tuesday of each month at Texas AgriLife Extension Service - Aransas County Office, 892 Airport Rd., Rockport. For additional information, e-mail aransas-tx@tamu.edu or call 361-790-0103.
Sugar Land: The Sugar Land Garden Club meets on the third Tuesday of each month, September through November and January through April at 10 a.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 702 Burney Road, Sugar Land. The club hosts a different speaker each month. For more information, visit www.sugarlandgardenclub.org.
Denton: The Denton Organic Society, a group devoted to sharing information and educating the public regarding organic principles, meets the third Wednesday of each month (except July, August and December) at the Denton Senior Center, 509 N. Bell Avenue. Meetings are free and open to the public. Meetings begin at 7 p.m. and are preceded by a social at 6:30. For more information, call 940-382-8551.
Glen Rose: The Somervell County Master Gardeners meet at 10 a.m., the third Wednesday of each month at the Somervell County AgriLife Extension office, 1405 Texas Drive, Glen Rose. Visitors are welcome. For more information, call 254-897-2809 or visit www.somervellmastergardeners.org.
Granbury: The Lake Granbury Master Gardeners meet at 1 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month at the Hood County Annex 1, 1410 West Pearl Street, Granbury. The public is invited to attend. There is an educational program each month preceding the business meeting. For information on topics call 817-579-3280 or visit http://www.hoodcountymastergardeners.org/.
Brownwood: Brownwood Garden Club meets the third Thursday of each month, 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m. The club meetings are at Southside Baptist Church, 1219 Indian Creek Road, with refreshments and a speaker presentation. Visitors are welcome. For more information, email boeblingen@centex.net or call 817-454-8175.
Hallettsville: The Hallettsville Garden Club meets at 2 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month from September through May, at the Hallettsville Garden and Cultural Center, 107 Fink Street, Hallettsville. Each month, the club hosts speakers that provide informative programs on a wide range of gardening subjects, and refreshments are provided by member hostesses afterwards. Visitors are welcome! Please email Sharon Harrigan at sharonspetals@gmail.com for more information.
Houston: The Native Plant Society of Texas - Houston Chapter meets at 6:45 pm on the third Thursday of each month at the American Red Cross Building, 2700 Southwest Fwy. For more information about meeting presentations and native plants, visit http://npsot.org/houston.
Mineola: The Fannie Marchman Garden Club meets at the Mineola Civic Center, 9:30-11:30 a.m. the third Wednesday of each month from September through May. For additional information, find them on Facebook or email FannieMarchmanGardenClub@gmail.com.
Ft. Worth: The North Texas Daylily Society is affiliated with the American Daylily Society and is located in AHS Region 6. Club meetings are held in the Camellia Room located inside the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd, on the third Thursday of each month (excluding June and July). Throughout the year NTDS hosts guest speakers, special interest programs, an annual daylily show, an annual daylily sale, and social activities and outings. For more information visit, their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/northtexasdaylilysociety.
San Antonio: The Bexar County Master Gardeners (BCMG) meet on the third Thursday of each month at the Texas AgriLife Extension Office, 3355 Cherry Ridge Dr., Suite 208, San Antonio. During the months of Jan., March, May, July, Sep. and Nov., an evening meeting with presentation is held 6:00-8:00 p.m. During the intervening months (Feb., April, June, Aug., Oct.), afternoon educational seminars/general meetings are held from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Check http://www.bexarmg.org/ to verify meeting date for any given month, as circumstances could require a change, and to find information on the speaker and topic scheduled for each meeting.
Seguin: The Guadalupe County Master Gardeners meets at 6:30 p.m. the third Thursday of each month, at the AgriLife Building, 210 East Live Oak, Seguin. After a brief social hour, the meeting and guest speaker begins at 7 p.m. The meeting is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 830-303-3889 or visit www.guadalupecountymastergardeners.org.
Fort Worth: The Greater Fort Worth Herb Society meetings are held the third Saturday of each month at Texas Garden Club Inc, 3111 Old Garden Club Rd., Fort Worth (located next to the Fort Worth Botanic Garden), 10:00 a.m. to noon, September through June. For more information, email herbalhen@yahoo.com.
FOURTH WEEK
New Braunfels: The New Braunfels Chapter of Native Plant Society of Texas meets on the fourth Monday of each month except July and December. Meetings are held at the Westside Community Center, 2932 S. I-35 Frontage Road, New Braunfels. Meetings start at 6:15 p.m. with a meet and greet time, followed by a short business meeting. Programs begin around 7:00. Native plant and seed exchanges are held monthly. Expert speakers present educational programs on topics of interest. Meetings are free and open to the public. For more information or to join, visit www.npsot.org.
Brackenridge Park: The Native Plant Society San Antonio Chapter meets every fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Lions Field Adult and Senior Center, 2809 Broadway at E. Mulberry, Brackenridge Park, except August and December. Social and seed/plant exchange at 6:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. For more information, contact Bea at 210-999-7292 or visit www.npsot.org/sanantonio.
Bryan: The Brazos County Master Gardeners, a program of Texas AgriLife Extension, meet the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Brazos County Extension Office, 4153 County Park Ct., Bryan. There is a public gardening program at each meeting and pertinent information may be found at brazosmg.com or 979-823-0129.
Edna: The Jackson County Master Gardeners present their "Come Grown With Us" seminars on the fourth Tuesday of each month, January through October, beginning at 7 p.m. at 411 N. Wells, Edna. The seminars are free, open to the public and offer 2 CEU hours to Master Gardeners or others requiring them. For additional information, contact the Jackson County Extension Office at 361-782-3312.
Linden: The Caddo Wildflower Chapter of Native Plants Society meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at the senior citizens building at 507 S Kaufman St. in Linden at 6:30. Visitors are welcome. For additional information, contact Karen Tromza at khtromza@yahoo.com.
San Antonio: The Native Plant Society of Texas San Antonio Chapter meets the fourth Tuesday of each month, except August and December, at the Lions Field Adult & Senior Center, 2809 Broadway, San Antonio. Social and plant/seed exchange at 6:30 p.m., program at 7:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.npsot.org/sanantonio or email npsot.sanantonio@gmail.com.
Houston: The Houston Native Prairie Association meets at 7 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month (except November and December) at the Houston Red Cross Building, 2700 Southwest Freeway, Houston. Refreshments served at 6:30 p.m. For more information, contact hnpat@prairies.org.
Austin: The Garden Club of Austin meets at Zilker Botanical Gardens auditorium, 2220 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, at 7:00 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month. 7:00-7:30 p.m. Refreshments and Social, followed by a presentation at 7:30 p.m. Free. For additional information, visit http://thegardenclubofaustin.org/.
Leander: The Leander Garden Club meets on the fourth Thursday of each month (except June, July and August) at 10:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Room of the Leander Presbyterian Church, 101 N. West St., Leander, unless there is a special event planned. Following a program and short business meeting, there is a pot-luck luncheon. To confirm the meeting place and time, please call President Kathleen Tully at 512-422-8580 or email LeanderGardenClub@gmail.com.
Dallas: The Dallas County Master Gardeners meet the fourth Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. For location and program information, visit http://www.dallascountymastergardeners.org/ or contact The Helpdesk, M-F, 8 to 4:30 214-904-3053.
Denton: The Trinity Forks Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets the fourth Thursday of each month to share information about native plants. Excellent programs are heard each month. Social time begins at 6:30, program at 7:00 p.m. For more information, visit https://npsot.org/wp/trinityforks/.
Arlington: The Arlington Organic Garden Club meets from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. on the last Thursday of each month (except November and December) at the Bob Duncan Center, 2800 S. Center Street, Arlington. For more information, contact David at 817-483-7746.
Hempstead: The Peckerwood Garden Conservation Foundation, 20559 F.M. 359, Hempstead, hosts a garden Open Days from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the fourth Saturday of each month. Drop-in tours are permitted but pre-registration is encouraged. Docent led tours are $10 for guests, free for members. For more information, http://peckerwoodgarden.org/explore/visit-peckerwood-garden/.
Dallas: The Greater Dallas Organic Garden Club meets at 2:30 p.m. on the fourth Sunday of each month (except November and December) at North Haven Gardens, 7700 Northaven Road, Dallas. For more information, visit www.gdogc.org.
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Texas Gardener's Seeds is published weekly. © Suntex Communications, Inc. 2022. All rights reserved. You may forward this publication to your friends and colleagues if it is sent in its entirety. No individual part of this newsletter may be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission from the publisher.
Texas Gardener's Seeds has been published each Wednesday since April 26, 2006.
Texas Gardener's Seeds, P.O. Box 1676, Brenham, Texas 77834-1676
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